As tech has progressed and organisations are cottoning on to the power of data, many are hiring data analyst roles to help them make sense of the numbers to solve problems and optimise how they work. If you’ve been wondering how to become a data analyst, chances are you’ve also been considering data analyst salaries in the UK.
In this guide, learn what data analyst salaries are in the UK, including what you can expect to earn, how junior and senior data analyst salaries differ, how salaries compare between London and the rest of the UK, and much more.
With this information, you can gain the upper hand in salary negotiations and get paid what you’re worth in this increasingly important technology role. To learn more about your specific salary prospects, use our salary calculator.
what is a data analyst?
Data analysts are invaluable to practically every modern business and organisation.
They’re responsible for collecting, collating, analysing and modelling data to help highlight its most important elements.
With these insights, the analyst can then suggest conclusions based on the information and support decision-making too. Data analysts may also take on responsibility for other areas such as data troubleshooting and security measures, since these often utilise the same skills and expertise, such as data collection or the ability to use reporting systems.
As well as analysing the data itself, data analysts will often be encouraged to predict (or in some cases project) future trends by looking at patterns within current markets and economic conditions. As a result, data analyst salaries can be significant.
Check out our guide on what data analyst jobs entail.
what is the average data analyst salary?
Data analysts are considered highly skilled professionals. As such, the salary for a data analyst is generally high.
As a general guide, according to Randstad data, the average salary for the position in the UK is currently £35,000, but senior candidates with higher levels of experience can often demand far larger salaries. The National Careers Service gives a range of £23,000 to £62,000, while Prospects provides a range between £23,000 to £60,000-plus.
It's not uncommon for more experienced data analysts to be paid in excess of £55,000. And there is also the potential to be promoted to the role of a senior data analyst, which inevitably results in even higher salaries.
Where are the best UK data analyst salaries located?
As with many career paths within the UK, data analyst salaries in London are some of the highest available.
As always, though, it's worth considering the additional living costs and commuter fees that typically come with roles in the capital. Other standout locations in terms of salary which have lower costs include Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Yorkshire, Surrey and Leeds, according to Randstad data.
Sector-wise, there are countless areas of the economy where employers are looking out for gifted data analysts and likely to pay a premium – learn more in our data analyst job sector guide.
What top skills influence data analyst salaries?
In the current jobs market, it's expected that data analysts have a good working knowledge of several technical skills, as well as the more obvious ones such as database technologies, analysis tools and methodologies.
Senior data analyst salaries are higher than entry-level, in part due to their increased and often specialist skillsets. For instance, some of the most in-demand skills are SQL, business intelligence, data warehousing, SAS, VBA and Chronicle.
Many of these are learnt in one’s own time via additional training courses, so if you want to increase your data analyst salary, identifying and adopting new specialisms can be a fruitful approach.
To learn more about the skills needed to get started in the field, view our guide on how to become a data analyst.
Can you boost your data analyst salary with qualifications?
As is the case with almost all career paths, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and passion for the subject will help you increase your data analyst salary, as well as access better-paid senior roles.
Studying for extra qualifications remains one of the most effective ways of showing this. Fortunately, several qualifications are suitable for data analysts and multiple courses can be undertaken.
Several MA courses around the subject are appropriate, such as data analytics and data science, and there are also plenty of qualifications based around using programming languages like SQL and tools like Microsoft Excel – all of which can help to boost data analyst salaries and CVs.
To put your skills and qualifications centre stage, view our guide to writing a data analyst CV alongside our in-depth advice guide. We also have plenty of tips for creating a strong data analyst cover letter.
Get a data analyst salary that matches your expertise
As with any role, a data analyst’s earning potential can be given a substantial boost if the applicant is prepared to invest their own time and effort in increasing and developing their skill set.
If you want to earn a data analyst salary and are actively applying for roles, view our interview questions guide then visit our data analyst job listings too. For more information on how Randstad can help you find your dream role, get in touch today.
